Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 28 Mar 2002

Vol. 551 No. 4

International Agreements: Motions.

Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach (Mr. S. Brennan)

I move:

That Dáil Éireann approves the terms of the Agreement between the Government of Ireland and the Government of the Republic of Poland on transferring and re-admitting persons who remain on the territory of their States without authorisation, done at Warsaw on 12th May, 2001, copies of which were laid before Dail Éireann on 25th May, 2001.

That Dáil Éireann approves the terms of the Agreement between the Government of Ireland and the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on Immigration Matters, done at Abuja on 29th August, 2001, copies of which were laid before Dáil Éireann on 26th October, 2001.

Mr. Howlin

Members have been told we may not have any discussion on this motion. However, technical views were expressed in committee. There ought to be a better facility for bringing back recommendations from committee. Standing Orders should be reviewed with regard to this matter.

Mr. Shatter

Members of the committee had serious reservations about this proposal but we were told that, under Standing Orders, we could merely report back to the House that the matter had been considered. We think this is not an appropriate procedure for dealing with agreements of this type, particularly where the lives of people may be placed at risk. Members of the committee expressed concern about this matter.

When the Dáil returns after Easter, whether in its present guise or after a general election, there will be a need to re-examine the manner in which these matters are dealt with in committee and the capacity of committees, not merely to consider but to report to the House on the outcome of their considerations.

Question put and agreed to.

Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach (Mr. S. Brennan)

I move:

That Dail Éireann approves the terms of the Agreement between the Government of Ireland and the Government of the Republic of Bulgaria regarding the re-admission of their own citizens and third country citizens illegally residing in the territories of their respective States done at Dublin on 31st January, 2002, copies of which were laid before Dáil Éireann on 6th February, 2002.

Question put and agreed to.